Absorbent articles having improved fastening system

ABSTRACT

A disposable absorbent article such as, e.g., a T-shaped diaper comprising two portions, a lateral portion (backwaist) having two lateral segments or wings for wrapping around the waist of a wearer of the diaper, and a second vertical portion or insert which is adapted to be passed under the crotch of the wearer and folded thereover. A uniquely designed tape tab located at the outer lateral end of one wing assures more perfect and comfortable fit. Tape tabs are also provided at the distal ends of vertical portion for engagement onto landing zones disposed on the surface of each wing. These tape tabs may have the same general construction as the tape tab on the diaper wing. The dimensions of the diaper and several of its components and the relative locations of these components are important factors which contribute to improved fitness and functions of the diaper.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser.No. 09/797,334 filed Mar. 1, 2001, which is, in turn, acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/376,282 filed Aug. 18,1999, which is, in turn, a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.09/097,198 filed Jun. 12, 1998, which is, in turn, acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/149,265 filed Sep. 8,1998.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to absorbent articles such asdisposable diapers, infant and adult incontinent briefs and underpantsused for absorption and containment of urine and other body exudates.More particularly, this invention relates to a fastening system used insuch articles for providing an improved and effective means ofdetachably securing the front and rear of such articles. In oneparticular aspect, this invention relates to providing such fasteners inT-shaped briefs. In another aspect, this invention relates to thedimensions of the brief and several components of the brief as well asthe locations of some of the components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The aforementioned copending application Ser. No. 09/376,282describes an embodiment of the invention therein which is directed to agenerally T-shaped brief, e.g., a diaper which comprises a chassishaving two intersecting portions which together define a generallyT-shaped configuration when the chassis is laid out flat and viewed instretched position. One of the two portions or pieces is a crosspiececomprising opposed lateral segments or wings adapted to be wrapped onthe waist of a wearer of the diaper such as to overlap each other, andthe second portion or piece is vertical relative to the crosspiece andhas a proximal end, and a distal end which can be passed under thecrotch and folded upwardly and over or under the overlapped wings. TheT-shaped diaper described in said copending application is provided witha fastening system designed to secure the diaper tightly but comfortablyaround the waist as illustrated in FIGS. 23-28 of said application.Another variant of the invention, i.e., a generally H-shaped diaper asshown in FIG. 28. The disclosure of said application Ser. No. 09/376,382is fully incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] T-shaped diapers have received widespread attention andacceptance due, in part, to their relative ease of fabrication and use,and the comfort they provide to the wearer as well as the protectionthey afford against leakage of urine and body exudates. A variety ofT-shaped briefs or diapers have been described in the prior art.

[0005] For example, one T-shaped diaper was described in U.S. Pat. No.4,051,854 issued to Gabrielle Leonie Aaron on Oct. 4, 1977. The diaperdescribed therein has a center flap and two ear flaps which, when laidflat, defines a T-shape configuration as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 of thatpatent. Fastening means are provided in the form of multiplicity ofhooks and loops for fastening the ear flaps to the center flap.

[0006] Another T-shaped diaper is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,873issued to Jacklyn M. Knight on Feb. 26, 1991 which comprises acrosspiece and an intersecting piece which together define the T-shapeconfiguration of the diaper when laid out in flat position. Thecrosspiece has opposite ends or wings which encircle the waist in anoverlapping manner and the intersecting piece passes under the crotchand upwardly and over the crosspiece. Releasable fastening means such aspress-on/rip-off adhesive or Velcro® strips are employed to attach theintersecting piece to the crosspiece.

[0007] Whether using a T-shaped diaper or other types of diapers, it isessential that the diaper meet at least two significant criteria, i.e.,comfort to the wearer and protection against leakage of body fluids andexudates. In order to achieve these objectives, many prior art workersin the field have focused on providing the diaper with an effectivefastening system. Indeed, in the aforementioned application Ser. No.09/372,382, the inventors describe a fastening system for T-shapeddiaper designed to achieve the foregoing objectives. Thus, in theT-shaped diaper described therein, one female fastening means isprovided on the lateral wing or segment of the crosspiece and at leastone male fastening means is provided on the other lateral wing orsegment of the crosspiece such that when the two lateral segments arewrapped around the waist and overlap each other, the male fastenerengages the female fastener. In addition, a pair of spaced apart femalefasteners are provided on said crosspiece between the end fasteners inthe wings such that when the two wings are wrapped around the waist andfolded over each other as aforesaid, said two spaced apart femalefasteners will be engaged by a pair of spaced apart male fastenerslocated at the distal end of the vertical piece of the T-shaped diaper.

[0008] As it can be seen from the description in the aforementionedapplication Ser. No. 09/376,382 and the prior art in general, a varietyof fasteners are employed such as, e.g., adhesive tape tabs, Velcro®,fabrics which act as female surface for a male fastener, so-called hookand loop fasteners, or even mechanical elements. As it can also beappreciated, the concern over providing a leak-proof, and good fittingdiaper is not limited to a particular shaped diaper. Regardless of theirshapes, it is essential that the diaper be provided with an effectivefastening means which assures tight but comfortable wear, and affordsprotection against leakage of fluid and body exudates.

[0009] Recently, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,604 issued on May 25, 1999 toRonnberg et al., the patentee describes an attachment means for a beltused with an absorbent garment. The belt is either integrated with theabsorbent garment, or it can be a separate belt attached to theabsorbent garment by means of a releasable attachment such as hook andloop type fastening means, e.g., VELCRO®. Other fastening systems aredescribed in the patents referred to in the aforementioned Ronnberg etal. patent as well as a host of other prior art patents.

[0010] A mechanical fastening system for absorbent articles is describedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,604 issued to Robinson et al. on Jan. 18, 1994.The mechanical fastening system described therein comprises a tape tabhaving a first fastening element, a landing member comprising a secondfastening element which is engageable with the first fastening element,and an additional fastening element for securing the absorbent articlein a manner which facilitates disposal of the article.

[0011] Notwithstanding the plethora of prior art patents describing avariety of fastening systems for different diapers, there is still aneed for a fastening system which is inexpensive, simple to apply to thegarment and is effective in preventing leakage of body fluids andexudates from the diaper.

[0012] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to providean absorbent article, e.g., a diaper, which has an improved fasteningsystem.

[0013] It is also an object of this invention to provide such diaperwith a fastening system which is easy to apply to the diaper and whichis adjustable to assure comfort and fitness to the body of the wearer,and which can afford maximum protection against leakage of urine andbody exudates.

[0014] It is another object of this invention to provide a diaper havingan improved fastening system wherein the diaper, when laid out flat, hasa T-shaped configuration.

[0015] It is yet another object of this invention to provide a T-shapeddiaper of certain dimensions which has components of defined dimensionsand advantageous relative locations.

[0016] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the presentinvention will be appreciated from the following detailed descriptiontaken with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention provides a diaper, such as a T-shapeddiaper, having novel fastening system. The T-shaped diaper has a chassiscomprising two intersecting portions or cross pieces which define theT-shape configuration of the diaper when viewed in stretched position.One portion is a lateral piece having lateral segments or wings whichare adapted to be wrapped around the waist of a wearer of the diaper.The second portion is a vertical piece having a proximal end attached tothe chassis and a distal end with tape tabs. The vertical portion isadapted to be passed under the crotch region of the diaper, foldedthereover and attached to landing zones on the surface of the lateralsegments by the tape tabs located at said distal end.

[0018] In order to assure fit and comfort, a novel tape tab is providedat or near one of said segments or wings, e.g., the right segment whenthe diaper is viewed in front stretched position. Tape tabs are alsoprovided at the distal ends of the intersecting vertical portion whichmay be similar to the tape tab located on the wing of the diaper.

[0019] In accordance with this invention several fastening systems aredisclosed which are more fully discussed in the detailed description ofthe present invention.

[0020] The relative dimensions of the wings and the chassis componentsof the absorbent article, the width of the landing zones and their andlocation, the relaxed overall dimensions of the chassis are factorswhich contribute to providing a commercially attractive andeasy-to-package brief which fits snugly and comfortably around the bodyof the wearer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are employed todesignate like parts wherever possible:

[0022]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a T-shaped diaper in assembledform when worn by a wearer;

[0023]FIG. 2 is perspective view of the diaper in FIG. 1 showing thecenter vertical segment with its distal end partly folded upward andaway from the diaper chassis and showing an insert and a belt attachedtogether;

[0024]FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the diaper of FIG. 2 butshowing the center vertical segment hanging more freely prior toassembling the diaper;

[0025]FIG. 4 is a stretched view of the diaper of FIG. 1 when it is laidout flat;

[0026]FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

[0027]FIG. 6 is a view of a T-shaped diaper in stretched positionemploying a tape tab and landing zone fastening system according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 7 is a top view of the tape tab shown in FIG. 6, with thefastener tape in open, ready to be used position;

[0029]FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

[0030]FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 6;

[0031]FIG. 10 is a partly perspective view of a diaper having a tape taband landing zone fastening system ready for use;

[0032]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the diaper shown in FIG. 10 inready to be assembled position;

[0033]FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 6 employing multi-layer tape taband landing zone fastening system according to another embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0034]FIG. 13 is a top view of the multi-layer tape tab and landing zonefastening system of FIG. 12 with the fastener tape in open ready to useposition;

[0035]FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along the line 14-14 of FIG. 13;

[0036]FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along the lines 15-15 of FIG.12;

[0037]FIG. 16 is a stretched view of a T-shaped diaper similar to FIGS.11 and 12 but employing a hook and loop fastening system according to adifferent embodiment of the present invention;

[0038]FIG. 17 is a top view of the hook system employed in FIG. 16 withthe tape tab in open ready to be used position;

[0039]FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken along the line 18-18 of FIG. 17;

[0040]FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along the line 19-19 in FIG. 16;

[0041]FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 16 but employs a multi-layerhook and loop fastening system according to yet another embodiment ofpresent invention;

[0042]FIG. 21 is a top view of the multi-layer hook and loop fasteningsystem used in FIG. 20 with the tape tab in open ready to be usedposition;

[0043]FIG. 22 is a sectional view taken along the line 22-22 in FIG. 21;

[0044]FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken along the line 23-23 in FIG. 20;

[0045]FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIG. 10 employing a multi-layer hookand loop fastening system, and illustrates the diaper after the firstattempt of fastening the tape system and peeling open the diaper to showthe tape tabs as in FIG. 22.

[0046]FIG. 25 is a view similar to FIG. 20 wherein the diaper is partlyelasticated;

[0047]FIG. 26 is a sectional view taken along the line 26-26 of FIG. 25;

[0048]FIG. 27 is a sectional view taken along the line 27-27 of FIG. 25;

[0049]FIG. 28 is a view similar to FIG. 16 with the distal end of thevertical section having laterally extended segments or wings;

[0050]FIG. 29 is a view similar to FIG. 20 with a male fastener at onewing and a female fastener is provided at the opposite wing;

[0051]FIG. 30 is a sectional view taken along the line 30-30 of FIG. 29;

[0052]FIG. 31 is a sectional view taken along the line 31-31 of FIG. 29;

[0053]FIG. 32 is a sectional view showing the reverse position shown inFIG. 30;

[0054]FIG. 33 is a sectional view showing the reverse position shown inFIG. 31;

[0055]FIG. 34 is a view similar to FIG. 16 having different tape tabpositions at the distal end of the vertical portion;

[0056]FIG. 35 is a sectional view taken along the lines 35-35 of FIG.34;

[0057]FIG. 36 is a stretched view similar to FIG. 25 wherein each wingsegment is folded over itself;

[0058]FIG. 37 is a sectional view taken along the line 37-37 of FIG. 36;

[0059]FIG. 38 is a view of a diaper when it is laid out flat, such asshown in FIG. 6, illustrating the desired relative dimensions and otherfeatures of the invention which enhance fitness of the diaper, and

[0060]FIG. 39 is a sectional view taken along the line 39-39 of FIG. 38.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DIFFERENT EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0061] Referring first to FIGS. 1-5, there is shown in FIG. 1, a diapergenerally designated as 100 comprising a chassis having a back waistregion 101 and a front waist region 103 (which may be elasticized), acrotch region 105 and a pair of leg openings 107,109 through whichextend the legs of the wearer. The diaper 100 also comprises anabsorbent core or pad 111 which is disposed between a liquid perviouscover sheet 113 and a liquid impervious backsheet 115 as illustrated inFIG. 5 and described hereinafter. The back waist region 101 comprises amid region 123 having a pair of opposed laterally extending segments orears 117,119 and a center intersecting segment or flap 121 which extendsvertically downward relative to the ears 117,119 as illustrated in FIGS.2, 3 and 4. The ear segments 117,119 are adapted to be wrapped aroundthe waist, and the center vertical segment 121 is adapted to be passedunder the crotch region 105, pulled up and folded over the crotch regionand engaged onto the ear segments 117,119 as hereinafter described. Inorder to assure a more perfect fit of the diaper around the torso of thewearer, the ear segments 117,119 and the center flap 121 are providedwith fastening means at strategic locations on their respectivesurfaces. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the frontsurface 123A of the mid region 123 is provided with a male Velcro-typefastening means 125 adjacent the right lateral end of the ear segments119, and the reverse surface 123B opposite the surface 123A is providedwith a female Velcro-type fastening means 127,129,131. The distal end133 of the center segment 121 has a top surface on which is provided apair of opposed, generally parallel and spaced apart male Velcro-typefastening means 137,139. As it will become apparent from the descriptionof the assembly of the diaper during its use, the fastening means on theear segments and the center segment are located at such positions as toresult in a remarkable tight fit diaper which is highly effectiveagainst leakage of fluid and body exudates.

[0062] In use, the ear segment 117 is wrapped around the waist first,followed by wrapping the ear segment 119 around the waist to overlap theear segment 117, and the male Velcro fastener 125 is engaged onto thefemale Velcro fastener 131. The center segment 121 is then passed underthe crotch of the wearer and folded thereover and upwardly onto the topsurface 123A of the diaper, and then engaging the male Velcro fasteners139 and 137 onto the corresponding aligned female Velcro fasteners 127and 129 respectively. By proper spacings and alignments of themale/female Velcro fasteners, the fasteners will mate, i.e.,inter-engage, thus resulting in a more perfect fit to the waist of thewearer and prevent leakage of the body fluids and exudates out of thediaper.

[0063] The materials and fabrics used in making the diapers of thepresent invention are generally of the type and variety known in the artand are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,695,278 and4,795,454 and in copending, commonly assigned application Ser. No.09/149,265, filed Sep. 8, 1998, the disclosures of which are fullyincorporated herein by reference. Thus, the liquid pervious cover sheetis a compliant soft material which is skin friendly and does not causerash or irritation. Such materials include porous foams, reticulatedfoams, plastics, natural fibers such as woods or cotton fibers,synthetic fibers made of polyester or propylene available from FirstQuality Fibers, Inc., McElhattan, Pa., or made from a combination ofsuch materials.

[0064] The absorbent pad or core may be manufactured from a wide varietyof liquid absorbent materials of the type usually used in manufacturingdisposable diapers and other absorbent articles. Such materials includecomminuted wood pulp, creped cellulose wadding, absorbent foams andsponges, super absorbent polymers, or a combination of said materials.

[0065] The acquisition layer is usually made of chemically bondednonwoven polyester available from American Nonwovens, Columbus, Miss.Preferably, the width of this layer is substantially the same as thewidth of the crotch absorbent core. This core may be made of wood pulpfibers and super absorbent polymers (SAP) such as IM 7000 seriesavailable from Clarian Products, Inc., Portsmouth, Inc., Va., andChemdal 2000 series, available from Chemdal Inc. Palantine, Ill.Alternatively, the absorbent core may be made of dual layerconstruction, in which case, the absorbent polymer may be securelypositioned between each layer of the absorbent material.

[0066] The film backing is usually a polyethylene layer which is liquid,air and preferably vapor impermeable, and is placed under the absorbentcore to prevent the body exudates from leaking and otherwise soiling theuser's bed and clothing. The width and length of the backing film aregenerally wider and longer than the width and length of the absorbentcore. Polyethylenes suitable as backing film for the purpose of thisinvention are available from Clopay Plastics, Cincinnati, Ohio. Thetopsheet is also preferably made of spunbond nonwoven polypropylene andis usually coextensive with the backing film. In general, however, thevarious layers are of the type and materials well known in the diaperindustry and within the scope and knowledge of those versed in this art.

[0067] In the T-shaped diaper described and illustrated by reference toFIGS. 1-5, the fastening system employed is the system described in theaforementioned application Ser. No. 09/376,282, the disclosure of whichis fully incorporated herein by reference. The ensuing description,however, will be directed to the novel fastening system of the presentinvention, and will be described in connection with a T-shaped diaper,although it may be employed in other absorbent articles as well.

[0068] A first embodiment of the fastening system of the presentinvention is shown in FIGS. 6-9 and a diaper incorporating thisfastening system is shown, in perspective view, in FIGS. 10-11. As shownin FIGS. 10 and 11, the diaper generally designated as 200 comprises achassis having a back waist region 201 a front waist region 203 and acrotch region 205 and an absorbent core 207. A pair of opposed lateralsegments or wings 209, 211 extend from the respective edges of the backwaist region 201, and a generally vertical intersecting piece 213 havinga proximal end 213A attached to the diaper chassis and a distal end 213Bwith a pair of opposed tapes 215, 217 disposed at each side of theintersecting piece near the distal end thereof.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 6-9, there is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 the tapetab 219 having a portion 219A used to fasten the tape to the diaper, anda second portion 219B permanently attached to the bottom surface of thewing 209, i.e., the surface away from the skin of the wearer (see FIGS.8 and 9). The tape portion 219 has a top surface 221 covered with apressure sensitive adhesive, and an opposed bottom surface made of asuitable plastic such as, e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene film, orother material such as, e.g., woven or nonwoven. As shown in FIG. 7, thefastening system of this embodiment comprises a release tape 223 havinga top surface coated with a release agent such as a silicone compound,and an opposed bottom adhesive surface with a portion of the releasetape 223 attached to the portion 219A and the other portion adhered tothe top surface of the wing 209. Before use, the portion 219A is foldedover the portion 219B in order to protect the adhesive surface duringtransportation of the product. For convenience of manipulation, thelateral edge of the tape 219 is folded upon itself so as to form anadhesive-free grip strip (Finger lift) 225.

[0070] The other component of the fastening system in this embodiment ofthe invention are landing zones (tapes) 227,229 located on the lateralsegments or wings 209 and 211, respectively. The size of each landingzone may be varied if desired depending on the size of the diaper. Eachlanding zone has an outer surface covered, at least partly, with arelease agent such as a silicone compound. This allows the tape tab 219to be positioned and repositioned on the landing zone 229 several timeswithout tearing the diaper fabric.

[0071] In use, the tape tabs 219 is peeled away from the tape tab 219Aby gripping and pulling away the grip strip 225. The diaper wings 209and 211 are then wrapped around the waist of the wearer and the pressuresensitive surface 221 of the tape 219 is secured to the landing zone229. Thereafter, the insert piece 213 is passed under the crotch, foldedthereover and the tape tabs 215 and 217 located at the distal end of theinsert piece is releasably secured to the landing zones such that tapetab 215 is secured to the landing zone 227 and tape tab 217 is securedto the landing zone 229. Tape tabs 215 and 217 may each have the sameconstruction as tape tab 219, if desired. As it can be seen, thefastening system permits repeated adjustments and repositioning of thetape tabs on the landing zones to achieve a desired fit without tearingthe fabric of the diaper.

[0072] The second embodiment of the present invention defines ofmulti-layer tape tabs and landing zone shown in FIGS. 12-15 which issimilar to the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6-9 except fordifferences in the fastener 219 discussed below. As shown in FIG. 12 theT-shaped 200 comprise a chassis having opposed lateral segments or wing209,211. The construction of the diaper is otherwise the same as in FIG.6. The fastener 219, however, consists of two layers of tapes 219A,219C.Initially, the layer 219A is used to fasten the tape 219 to the diaper.In order to readjust the diaper, the layer 219C may be peeled off,leaving the layer 219A in place to act as a landing zone forreadjustment of the diaper when necessary. After readjusting the diaper,the layer 219C is attached back onto layer 219A. Thus, the secondfastening system requires less landing zone than the first embodimentwhile still realizing the advantage of repeated readjustment of thediaper and repositioning of the tape tab without tearing the diaperfabric. The use of multi-layer tape tab according to the secondembodiment, with less landing zone area, results in increasedflexibility of the wing portion of the diaper, and permits the use ofelasticized wings when desired, all resulting in decreased manufacturingcost of the diaper. The construction of tape tabs 215,217 may be similarto tape tab 219.

[0073] The third embodiment of the present invention employs hook andloop fastening system as illustrated in FIGS. 16-19. This fasteningsystem is similar to the first fastening system described in connectionwith FIGS. 6-9 except that the landing zones 227 and 229 is covered withloop material rather than a silicone compound and the top surface of thetape portion 219A is covered with a hook material which covers thepressure sensitive adhesive. Thus, the release tab 223 covers theadhesive area that is not covered by the hook material. Referring toFIGS. 16-19, it can be seen that the configuration and construction ofthe T-shaped diaper of FIG. 16 is the same as in FIG. 6. Instead ofbeing covered by a pressure sensitive adhesive as in FIG. 7, the portion219A is covered with layer of hook material H, e.g., Velcro®. A gripstrip 225 facilitates gripping the end of the tape 219 when peeling thefastener.

[0074] In use, the diaper wings are wrapped as hereinbefore described,the grip strip 225 is gripped to peel the tape 219 away and expose thehook surface H and then attaching (engaging) the hook surface H onto theloop-landing zone 229 on the wing. The intersecting portion 213 is thenpassed under the crotch, folded thereover and the tabs 215,217 aresecured to the landing zones 227,229, respectively. Again theconstruction of tape tabs 215,217 may be identical to tape tabs 219 inFIGS. 6, 12 and 16.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 20-23 the fourth embodiment of the presentinvention is similar to the second embodiment except that the tape 219consists of two superposed layers; a layer 219D having a top adhesivesurface 219E and an opposed bottom surface 219F covered with loopmaterial. Superposed on the tape 219D is the layer 219G which is coveredwith hook material H, the same as layer 219A in FIG. 18. Again tape tabs215 and 217 may be identical to tape tab 219.

[0076]FIG. 24 illustrates a diaper, in semi-assembled position,incorporating the fastening system described in the second and fourthembodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 24, the tabs 215,217 areshown in open position after use of the diaper in order to furtherillustrate the fastening system. As it can be seem from this figure,after the diaper has been worn and the insert piece 213 has been removedto disassemble the diaper, there remains on the wings 227 and 229, thelayers 219D as described in connection with FIG. 22.

[0077] From the foregoing detailed description it is evident thatseveral changes and modifications may be made in the different fasteningsystems which are obvious from, and are suggested by the descriptionherein. It must also be noted that the nature of the different layers,the hook and loop materials and the adhesives used are well known in theart and are mentioned in the prior art patents discussed in thisapplication as well as the earlier related patent applications.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 25-27, the diaper shown therein haselasticated portions E attached to the wings, the mid-waist section andthe distal end of the insert 213 or vertical intersecting portion. Theelastic material may be any of the known elastic materials used in theart. This inclusion of elastics in the aforementioned diaper portionadds to stretchability of the wings and the diaper for improved fit andcomfort. Also, the wings dimension, i.e., length L and width W can varydepending on the desired size. The diaper wings are usually made fromspunbond, spunbond and meltblown, thermally or chemically bonded,hydrogenated nonwoven, composites made of film and nonwoven laminatesand composites made of nonwoven/film/nonwoven. The film may be elasticand the nonwoven may have 50 to 200 percent elongation capability. Ifdesired, the composite may be apertured in order to further improve itsstretchability. The wings may be added as separate pieces on each sideof the chassis insert, or they can be formed as extension of the insert.

[0079] The insert 213 used in the diaper consists of a fluid permeablecoversheet, a fluid impermeable backsheet and an absorbent padsandwiched therebetween. The absorbent pad may be made of asuperabsorbent polymer (SAP) of the type used in the art and wood pulpfibers having the desired density. The ratio of SAP to wood pulp may bevaried over a wide range. If desired, a layer or multilayer of drylaidtype material can be used as the absorbent pad, such as Rayoner Novathin2250355 or 3400355 available from Rayonier. The front and backwaist ofthe insert may be elasticized by attaching elastic web between thecoversheet and the backsheet of the insert front and waist area similarto the wings.

[0080]FIG. 28 illustrates an embodiment similar to the embodiment of theinvention illustrated by FIG. 16. However, the embodiment shown in FIG.28, the distal end of the vertical insert piece has lateral segments orwings 309,311. Male fastener 313,315 are located at or near the lateralends of each of the wings 309,311.

[0081] In the diaper shown in FIG. 29, one wing has a male fastener asin FIG. 20 and the opposed lateral wing 211 has a female fastener 220.In addition, a female fastener 227,229 are attached each on the back ofeach wing (the side away from the skin of the wearer).

[0082] In the diaper shown in FIG. 34, female fasteners 227,229 areattached to the back surface of the diaper wings 209,211. The tape tabs215,217 and 219 differ from the tape tabs shown in FIGS. 6-9 in that thepermanent portion 219B is eliminated in order to reduce the cost of theproduct (see FIG. 35, a sectional view taken along its line 35-35 ofFIG. 34).

[0083] In order to facilitate manufacturing and packaging the diaper,and as shown in FIG. 36, each of the lateral segments or wing 209,211 isfolded upon itself toward the center of the chassis. The facing surfacesof each wing may be attached removably by a suitable adhesive,ultrasonically or by some other attachment means as indicated by dottedcircles C1, C2, C3 and C4. As it can be seen from FIG. 36, each wing209,211 also cover the insert cover sheet and is similarly attached asshown by the dotted circles C5, C6, C7 and C8. After unpacking, and inorder to use the diaper, the finger lift portion 209A, 211A on each wingmay be gripped between the thumb and the forefinger and the wing islifted to an open position.

[0084] While in FIG. 36 each wing is shown folded once upon itself, as apractical matter, each wing may be folded more than once, if desired.

[0085]FIG. 37 shows the composition of the chassis beneath the wings209,211 comprising a layer of nonwoven (insert coversheet) 214 and afilm backing (insert backsheet) 216.

[0086] In order to further enhance the functions of and thefitness-to-wear the diaper, attention should be focused on certainrelative dimensions and locations of the diaper parts as well as severalother features. These dimensions, locations and features are bestappreciated by reference to FIG. 38. Both landing zones 427 and 429 areperforated in order to facilitate breathability of the diaper.Additionally, each wing segment is made of a material, such as nonwoven,that is permeable to moisture, vapor and oxygen. The length of eachlanding zone is preferably equal or less than the length of therespective lateral segment on which the landing zone is located.Additionally, the width of one of the landing zones is about equal orgreater than the width of the other landing zone. The landing zone onthe left and right lateral segments are conveniently made at least 1inch wide and at least about 1 inch long. Additional dimensionalconsiderations of the landing zones play significant role in the designof a functionally effective and desirable diaper. For example, thelanding zone 427 on the left lateral segment is about 8 to about 15inches wide and about 1 to about 7 inches long and the landing zone 427on the right lateral segment is about 10 to about 20 inches wide andabout 1 to about 7 inches long. The distance U between the outer edge ofthe left landing zone and the outer edge of the left lateral segment isabout 6 to about 11 inches long, and the distance V between the outeredge of the right landing zone and the outer edge of the right segmentis from 0 to about 13 inches.

[0087] Each of the landing zones may comprise a visible indicator zonewhich may be in the general form of a band of about 1 to about 7 incheslong generally centrally disposed on the landing zone. Each of the tapetabs can be adhered to said band in the correct diaper processing(wearing) order.

[0088] The aforementioned diapering order described herein is by way ofsuggestion and not intended to limit the manner which the diaper may beapplied to or worn by a person. Otherwise, obvious procedures aresuggested to one skilled in the art by slight and obvious modificationswhich are nevertheless within the scope of the present invention.

[0089] Referring again to FIGS. 38 and 39, the diaper also comprises aninsert 413 as well as side cuffs 414, front waist cuffs 416, back waistcuffs 418 and elastic waists 420,421. The construction, dimensions andrelative location of these components are also important considerationin the design of a functionally effective diaper. The construction ofthese cuffs may be the same as conventional cuffs of the prior artdiaper, but preferably these barrier cuffs are made of a layer ofnonwoven similar to the diaper coversheet or a composite made from anonwoven and a polyethylene film.

[0090] For increased fitness of the diaper, it is desirable that thecenter of the waistband bear a defined relationship to the center of thetape tabs. Thus, optimum fitness can be achieved when a line drawnthrough the center of the waistband coincides with the line drawnthrough the center of each tape tab 415 or 417, or when the distancebetween these center lines is between about 0 and 3 inches.

[0091] The length E of the absorbent core 412 is preferably about 30 to80 percent of the overall width B of the diaper, with the absorbent core412 being located about 1.5 inches from the front edge 413A of insert413. Also, the front insert width A′ is equal to or greater than thewidth A″ of the back insert, and the front insert width A′ is equal toor less than the overall width B of the diaper.

[0092] In order to make the diaper user friendly each of the two tapetabs 415,417 attached to the insert 413 has a numerical indicia such athe number 2 on the left side and the number 3 on the right side, orvice versa. In addition, the tapes on the ear segment and the tapes onthe insert are also provided with numerical indicia such as thenumber 1. These digits indicate and facilitate the diapering process.More than one of each indicia may be printed on each tab to assure thatat least one indicia on each tab remains visible during the applicationof the diaper.

[0093] Regarding the width of the diaper, it is preferable that therelaxed width of the diaper (in its normal unstretched position) bebetween about 20 to about 100 percent of the width B of the diaper inits fully stretched position. This assures tight fit of the diaper tothe torso of the wearer.

[0094] The dimensions of the second portion of the diaper are alsosignificant design considerations. Thus, the second portion has a frontwidth A′ which is at least about 10 inches, preferably about 15 to about25 inches, and the width A′ is equal or less than the width A″ of theback of said second portion. Moreover, the length A of the secondportion is about equal or less than the overall width B of the chassis.

[0095] Each of the lateral segments of the absorbent article isdesirably from about 2 to about 15 inches long and from about 10 toabout 30 inches wide.

[0096] The width A′ of the insert 413 is from about 8 to about 40percent of said width when fully stretched and the relaxed width A ofsaid second portion is from about 10 to about 100 percent of said widthwhen fully stretched.

[0097] The materials used for making the diaper are generally well knownin the art and are described in the aforementioned parent applicationsand the prior art patents cited therein. In this connection, the lengthE of the absorbent core or layer is about 20 to about 40 inches andcontains up to about 60 weight percent superabsorbent polymer (SAP) andup to about 40 weight percent by weight of hydrophilic fibers of thetype known and described in the prior art.

[0098] Additional design modifications further enhance the effective useof the diaper. Thus, referring to FIG. 29, when wearing the diaper, tapetab 219 may be fastened to the tape tab 215, and tape tab 220 may befastened to tape tab 217. Also, while FIG. 28 shows that the diaper isprovided with front wings or segments 209,211, if desired, the diapermay be provided with rear segments as well (not shown). Additionally,and referring to FIGS. 25, 26 and 27, while the diaper is shown with oneelastic zone, it may be provided with more than one elastic zone,preferably three elastic zones. Furthermore, referring to FIG. 35, thecrotch cuffs may be folded inwardly or outwardly and secured together bya suitable adhesive, approximately 2 inches from each corner.

[0099] The foregoing description of the relative dimensions and otherfeatures of the diaper are significant in the manufacture of acommercially acceptable and functionally effective diaper. Other changesand modifications become obvious from the description herein.

1. A disposable absorbent article having a chassis comprising twoportions which together define a generally T-shaped configuration whensaid chassis is viewed in stretched position; a first portion havingopposed lateral segments adapted to be wrapped around the waist of awearer of said article, a second portion having a distal end and aproximal end disposed generally vertically relative to said firstportion and adapted to be passed under the crotch of the wearer andfolded upwardly and over said overlapped portions; one male fasteningmeans on one of said lateral segments, and at least one female fasteningmeans on said other lateral segment, such that when said lateralsegments overlap each other said male fastening means engages saidfemale fastening means; a pair of opposed spaced apart male fasteningmeans at the distal end of said second portion, and a pair of spacedapart opposed female fastening means at said first portion such thatwhen said lateral segments are wrapped around the waist of a wearer andsaid second portion is folded over said segments, each of said pair ofmale fastening means engage a correspondingly aligned one of said pairof female fastening means, wherein said absorbent article has a relaxedwidth (B) between about 20 to about 100 percent of the width of saidabsorbent article when fully stretched.
 2. An absorbent article as inclaim 1 wherein said second portion has a top surface and a rear surfaceand wherein said fastening means at the distal end of said secondportion are located on the top surface thereof.
 3. An absorbent articleas in claim 1 or 2 wherein each of said lateral segments comprises atleast one landing zone made of a material that is permeable to moisture,vapor and oxygen.
 4. An absorbent article as in claim 1 or 2 whereineach of said lateral segments comprises a perforated landing zone.
 5. Anabsorbent article as in claim 3 or 4 wherein the length of each of saidlanding zones is equal to or less than the length of the respectivelateral segment on which said landing zone is located.
 6. An absorbentarticle as in claim 3 or 4 wherein the width of one of said landingzones is equal to or greater than the width of the other landing zone.7. An absorbent article as in claim 3 wherein said opposed lateralsegments comprise a left segment and a right segment, and wherein thelanding zone on said left and right segments have widths at least about1 inch and lengths of at least 1 inch.
 8. An absorbent article as inclaim 4 wherein said opposed lateral segments comprise a left segmentand a right segment, and wherein the landing zone on said left segmenthas width of from about 8 to about 15 inches and a length of about 1 toabout 7 inches, and wherein the landing zone on said right segment has awidth of from about 10 to about 20 inches and a length of from about 1to about 7 inches.
 9. An absorbent article as in claim 7 wherein thewidth of the left landing zone is about 8.25 inches to about 15 inchesand the distance between the outer edge of said left landing zone andleft ear segment is about 6 to about 11 inches, and the distance betweenthe outer edge of said right landing zone and the outer edge of saidright segment is from about 0 to about 13 inches.
 10. An absorbentarticle as in claim 8 wherein the width of the left landing zone isabout 8.25 inches to about 15 inches and the distance between the outeredge of said left landing zone and left ear segment is about 6 to about11 inches, and the distance between the outer edge of said right landingzone and the outer edge of said right segment is from about 0 to about13 inches.
 11. An elastic absorbent article as in claim 3 furtherincluding elastic waistband wherein said elastic waistband has acenterline which coincides with a line drawn through the center of saidlanding zone.
 12. An elastic absorbent article as in claim 4 furtherincluding elastic waistband wherein said elastic waistband has acenterline which coincides with a line drawn through the center of saidlanding zone.
 13. An elastic absorbent article as in claim 11 whereinthe distance between the line drawn between the center line of each ofsaid landing zone and the line drawn through the center of said elasticwaistband is about 0 to about 3 inches.
 14. An elastic absorbent articleas in claim 12 wherein the distance between the line drawn between thecenter line of each of said landing zone and the line drawn through thecenter of said elastic waist band is about 0 to about 3 inches.
 15. Anabsorbent article as in claim 1 wherein each of said male tape tabs isprovided with at least one numerical indicia, with tape tab on one ofthe lateral segments being provided with the numeral 1, and the tapetabs on the insert being provided with the numerals 2 and 3, therebydefining the order of wearing the article.
 16. An absorbent article asin claim 2 wherein each of said male tape tabs is provided with at leastone numerical indicia, with the tape tab on one of the lateral segmentsbeing provided with the numeral 1, and the tape tab on the insert areprovided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby defining the order of wearingthe article.
 17. An absorbent article as in claim 3 wherein each of saidmale tape tabs is provided with at least one numerical indicia, with thetape tab on one of the lateral segments being provided with the numeral1, and the tape tab on the insert are provided with the numeral 2 or 3thereby defining the order of wearing the article.
 18. An absorbentarticle as in claim 4 wherein each of said male tape tabs is providedwith at least one numerical indicia, with the tape tab on one of thelateral segments being provided with the numeral 1, and the tape tab onthe insert are provided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby defining theorder of wearing the article.
 19. An absorbent article as in claim 5wherein each of said male tape tabs is provided with at least onenumerical indicia, with the tape tab on one of the lateral segmentsbeing provided with the numeral 1, and the tape tab on the insert areprovided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby defining the order of wearingthe article.
 20. An absorbent article as in claim 6 wherein each of saidmale tape tabs is provided with at least one numerical indicia, with thetape tab on one of the lateral segments being provided with the numeral1, and the tape tab on the insert are provided with the numeral 2 or 3thereby defining the order of wearing the article.
 21. An absorbentarticle as in claim 7 wherein each of said male tape tabs is providedwith at least one numerical indicia, with the tape tab on one of thelateral segments being provided with the numeral 1, and the tape tab onthe insert are provided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby defining theorder of wearing the article.
 22. An absorbent article as in claim 8wherein each of said male tape tabs is provided with at least onenumerical indicia, with the tape tab on one of the lateral segmentsbeing provided with the numeral 1, and the tape tab on the insert areprovided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby defining the order of wearingthe article.
 23. An absorbent article as in claim 9 wherein each of saidmale tape tabs is provided with at least one numerical indicia, with thetape tab on one of the lateral segments being provided with the numeral1, and the tape tab on the insert are provided with the numeral 2 or 3thereby defining the order of wearing the article.
 24. An absorbentarticle as in claim 10 wherein each of said male tape tabs is providedwith at least one numerical indicia, with the tape tab on one of thelateral segments being provided with the numeral 1, and the tape tab onthe insert are provided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby defining theorder of wearing the article.
 25. An absorbent article as in claim 11wherein each of said male tape tabs is provided with at least onenumerical indicia, with the tape tab on one of the lateral segmentsbeing provided with the numeral 1, and the tape tab on the insert areprovided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby defining the order of wearingthe article.
 26. An absorbent article as in claim 12 wherein each ofsaid male tape tabs is provided with at least one numerical indicia,with the tape tab on one of the lateral segments being provided with thenumeral 1, and the tape tab on the insert are provided with the numeral2 or 3 thereby defining the order of wearing the article.
 27. Anabsorbent article as in claim 13 wherein each of said male tape tabs isprovided with at least one numerical indicia, with the tape tab on oneof the lateral segments being provided with the numeral 1, and the tapetab on the insert are provided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby definingthe order of wearing the article.
 28. An absorbent article as in claim14 wherein each of said male tape tabs is provided with at least onenumerical indicia, with the tape tab on one of the lateral segmentsbeing provided with the numeral 1, and the tape tab on the insert areprovided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby defining the order of wearingthe article.
 29. An absorbent article as in claim 3 , 4 , 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27or 28 wherein each of said landing zones comprises a visible indicatorzone in the general form of a band of about 1 to about 7 inches inlength generally centrally disposed on said landing zone such that eachof said male tape tabs can be adhered to said band in the numericalorder designated on each of said tabs for the order of wearing saidarticle.
 30. An absorbent article as in claim 29 wherein said visibleindicator zone contains a pigment.
 31. An absorbent article as in claim30 wherein said pigment is photo, infrared or ultraviolet lightsensitive.
 32. An absorbent article as in claim 1 wherein said secondportion is generally contoured and comprises a coversheet, a backsheetand an absorbent core layer disposed between said coversheet and saidbacksheet, wherein said second portion has a front width A′ of fromabout 16 to about 25 inches, and said absorbent core layer having alength E of from about 20 to about 40 inches and contains up to about 60percent by weight superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and up to 40 percent byweight hydrophilic fibers.
 33. An absorbent article as in claim 1wherein the front width A′ of said second portion is about equal to orless than the width A″ of the back width.
 34. An absorbent article as inclaim 1 wherein the width A′ of said second portion is about equal orgreater than 15 inches.
 35. An absorbent article as in claim 1 whereinthe length A of said second portion is about equal to or less than theoverall width B of said chassis.
 36. An absorbent article as in claim 1wherein each of the lateral segments of said first portion is from about2 to about 15 inches long and from about 10 to about 30 inches wide. 37.An absorbent article as in claim 1 further comprising waist cuffs andsides barrier cuff.
 38. An absorbent article as in claim 1 wherein thewidth A′ of said insert is from about 20 to about 100 percent of saidwidth when fully stretched.
 39. An absorbent article as in claim 1wherein the relaxed width A of said second portion is from about 10 toabout 100 percent of said width when fully stretched.
 40. An elasticatedabsorbent article having a chassis comprising two portions whichtogether define a generally T-shaped configuration when said chassis isviewed in stretched position; a first portion having a female surface,and a second portion disposed generally vertically relative to saidfirst portion and adapted to be passed under the crotch of the wearerand folded upwardly and over said first portion. said first portionhaving opposed lateral segments adapted to be wrapped around the torsoof the wearer, at least one male fastening means on one of said lateralsegments, at least one male fastening means at the distal end of saidsecond portion, such that when said lateral segments are in overlappedposition and said second portion is folded over said overlappedportions, said male fastening means engages said female surface of saidfirst portion, wherein said absorbent article has a relaxed width (B)between 20 to about 100 percent of the width of said absorbent articlewhen fully stretched.
 41. An absorbent article as in claim 40 whereinsaid second portion has a top surface and a rear surface and whereinsaid fastening means at the distal end of said second portion arelocated on the top surface thereof.
 42. An absorbent article as in claim40 or 41 wherein each of said lateral segments comprises at least onelanding zone made of a material that is permeable to moisture, vapor andoxygen.
 43. An absorbent article as in claim 40 or 41 wherein each ofsaid lateral segments comprises a perforated landing zone.
 44. Anabsorbent article as in claim 42 or 43 wherein the length of each ofsaid landing zones is equal to or less than the length of the respectivelateral segment on which said landing zone is located.
 45. An absorbentarticle as in claim 42 or 43 wherein the width of one of said landingzones is equal to or greater than the width of the other landing zone.46. An absorbent article as in claim 42 wherein said opposed lateralsegments comprise a left segment and a right segment, and wherein thelanding zone on said left and right segments have widths at least about1 inch and lengths of at least 1 inch.
 47. An absorbent article as inclaim 43 wherein said opposed lateral segments comprise a left segmentand a right segment, and wherein the landing zone on said left segmenthas width of from about 8 to about 15 inches and a length of about 1 toabout 7 inches, and wherein the landing zone on said right segment has awidth of from about 10 to about 20 inches and a length of from about 1to about 7 inches.
 48. An absorbent article as in claim 46 wherein thewidth of the left landing zone is about 8.25 inches to about 15 inchesand the distance between the outer edge of said left landing zone andleft ear segment is about 6 to about 11 inches, and the distance betweenthe outer edge of said right landing zone and the outer edge of saidright segment is from about 0 to about 13 inches.
 49. An absorbentarticle as in claim 47 wherein the width of the left landing zone isabout 8.25 inches to about 15 inches and the distance between the outeredge of said left landing zone and left ear segment is about 6 to about11 inches, and the distance between the outer edge of said right landingzone and the outer edge of said right segment is from about 0 to about13 inches.
 50. An elastic absorbent article as in claim 42 furtherincluding elastic waistband wherein said elastic waistband has acenterline which coincides with a line drawn through the center of saidlanding zone.
 51. An elastic absorbent article as in claim 43 furtherincluding elastic waistband wherein said elastic waistband has acenterline which coincides with a line drawn through the center of saidlanding zone.
 52. An elastic absorbent article as in claim 50 whereinthe distance between the line drawn between the center line of each ofsaid landing zone and the line drawn through the center of said elasticwaistband is about 0 to about 3 inches.
 53. An elastic absorbent articleas in claim 51 wherein the distance between the line drawn between thecenter line of each of said landing zone and the line drawn through thecenter of said elastic waist band is about 0 to about 3 inches.
 54. Anabsorbent article as in claim 40 wherein each of said tape tabs isprovided with at least one numerical indicia, with tape tab on one ofthe lateral segments being provided with the numeral 1, and the tapetabs on the insert being provided with the numerals 2 and 3, therebydefining the order of wearing the article.
 55. An absorbent article asin claim 41 wherein each of said male tape tabs is provided with atleast one numerical indicia, with the tape tab on one of the lateralsegments being provided with the numeral 1, and the tape tab on theinsert are provided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby defining the orderof wearing the article.
 56. An absorbent article as in claim 42 whereineach of said male tape tabs is provided with at least one numericalindicia, with the tape tab on one of the lateral segments being providedwith the numeral 1, and the tape tab on the insert are provided with thenumeral 2 or 3 thereby defining the order of wearing the article.
 57. Anabsorbent article as in claim 43 wherein each of said male tape tabs isprovided with at least one numerical indicia, with the tape tab on oneof the lateral segments being provided with the numeral 1, and the tapetab on the insert are provided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby definingthe order of wearing the article.
 58. An absorbent article as in claim44 wherein each of said male tape tabs is provided with at least onenumerical indicia, with the tape tab on one of the lateral segmentsbeing provided with the numeral 1, and the tape tab on the insert areprovided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby defining the order of wearingthe article.
 59. An absorbent article as in claim 45 wherein each ofsaid male tape tabs is provided with at least one numerical indicia,with the tape tab on one of the lateral segments being provided with thenumeral 1, and the tape tab on the insert are provided with the numeral2 or 3 thereby defining the order of wearing the article.
 60. Anabsorbent article as in claim 46 wherein each of said male tape tabs isprovided with at least one numerical indicia, with the tape tab on oneof the lateral segments being provided with the numeral 1, and the tapetab on the insert are provided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby definingthe order of wearing the article
 61. An absorbent article as in claim 47wherein each of said male tape tabs is provided with at least onenumerical indicia, with the tape tab on one of the lateral segmentsbeing provided with the numeral 1, and the tape tab on the insert areprovided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby defining the order of wearingthe article
 62. An absorbent article as in claim 48 wherein each of saidmale tape tabs is provided with at least one numerical indicia, with thetape tab on one of the lateral segments being provided with the numeral1, and the tape tab on the insert are provided with the numeral 2 or 3thereby defining the order of wearing the article.
 63. An absorbentarticle as in claim 49 wherein each of said male tape tabs is providedwith at least one numerical indicia, with the tape tab on one of thelateral segments being provided with the numeral 1, and the tape tab onthe insert are provided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby defining theorder of wearing the article.
 64. An absorbent article as in claim 50wherein each of said male tape tabs is provided with at least onenumerical indicia, with the tape tab on one of the lateral segmentsbeing provided with the numeral 1, and the tape tab on the insert areprovided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby defining the order of wearingthe article
 65. An absorbent article as in claim 51 wherein each of saidmale tape tabs is provided with at least one numerical indicia, with thetape tab on one of the lateral segments being provided with the numeral1, and the tape tab on the insert are provided with the numeral 2 or 3thereby defining the order of wearing the article.
 66. An absorbentarticle as in claim 52 wherein each of said male tape tabs is providedwith at least one numerical indicia, with the tape tab on one of thelateral segments being provided with the numeral 1, and the tape tab onthe insert are provided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby defining theorder of wearing the article.
 67. An absorbent article as in claim 53wherein each of said male tape tabs is provided with at least onenumerical indicia, with the tape tab on one of the lateral segmentsbeing provided with the numeral 1, and the tape tab on the insert areprovided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby defining the order of wearingthe article
 68. An absorbent article as in claim 42 , 43 , 44, 45, 46,47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64,65, 66 or 67 wherein each of said landing zones comprises a visibleindicator zone in the general form of a band of about 1 to about 7inches in length generally centrally disposed on said landing zone suchthat each of said male tape tabs can be adhered to said band in thenumerical order designated on each of said tabs for the order of wearingsaid article.
 69. An absorbent article as in claim 68 wherein saidvisible indicator zone contains a pigment.
 70. An absorbent article asin claim 69 wherein said pigment is photo, infrared or ultraviolet lightsensitive.
 71. An absorbent article as in claim 40 wherein said secondportion is generally contoured and comprises a coversheet, a backsheetand an absorbent core layer disposed between said coversheet and saidbacksheet, wherein said second portion has a front width A′ of fromabout 16 to about 25 inches, and said absorbent core layer having alength E of from about 20 to about 40 inches and contains up to about 60percent by weight superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and up to 40 percent byweight hydrophilic fibers.
 72. An absorbent article as in claim 40wherein the front width A′ of said second portion is about equal to orless than the width A″ of the back width.
 73. An absorbent article as inclaim 40 wherein the width A′ of said second portion is about equal orgreater than 15 inches.
 74. An absorbent article as in claim 40 whereinthe length A of said second portion is about equal to or less than theoverall width B of said chassis.
 75. An absorbent article as in claim 40wherein each of the lateral segments of said first portion is from about2 to about 15 inches long and from about 10 to about 30 inches wide. 76.An absorbent article as in claim 40 further comprising waist cuffs andsides barrier cuff.
 77. An absorbent article as in claim 40 wherein thewidth A′ of said insert is from about 20 to about 100 percent of saidwidth when fully stretched.
 78. An absorbent article as in claim 40wherein the relaxed width A of said second portion is from about 10 toabout 100 percent of said width when fully stretched.
 79. An elasticatedabsorbent article having a chassis comprising two portions, a firstwaist portion and a second insert portion which together define agenerally T-shaped configuration when said chassis is viewed instretched position; said first waist portion having opposed lateralsegments adapted to be wrapped around the waist of a wearer of saidarticle, said second portion having a distal end having at least onetape tab, and a proximal end, disposed generally vertically relative tosaid first waist portion and adapted to be passed under the crotch ofthe wearer and folded upwardly and over said waist portion such that thetape tab at the distal end of said second portion is adhered to one ofsaid lateral segments; said chassis further comprising a tape tabdisposed near the end of one of said lateral segments, said tape tabhaving a first portion for fastening said tape tab to said lateralsegment, and a second portion permanently attached to a surface of saidlateral segment away from the skin of the wearer of said diaper, saidfirst portion having a top adhesive-covered surface and an opposedbottom backing sheet; a release tape having a top surface coated with arelease compound and an opposed bottom adhesive surface wherein aportion of said release tape is attached to said first portion of saidtape tab, and another portion of said release is adhered to a lateralsegment of said diaper, wherein said absorbent article has a relaxedwidth (B) between about 20 to about 90 percent of the width of saidabsorbent article when fully stretched.
 80. An absorbent article as inclaim 79 wherein said second portion has a top surface and a rearsurface and wherein said fastening means at the distal end of saidsecond portion are located on the top surface thereof.
 81. An absorbentarticle as in claim 79 or 80 wherein each of said lateral segmentscomprises at least one landing zone made of a material that is permeableto moisture, vapor and oxygen.
 82. An absorbent article as in claim 79or 80 wherein each of said lateral segments comprises a perforatedlanding zone.
 83. An absorbent article as in claim 81 or 82 wherein thelength of each of said landing zones is equal to or less than the lengthof the respective lateral segment on which said landing zone is located.84. An absorbent article as in claim 81 or 82 wherein the width of oneof said landing zones is equal to or greater than the width of the otherlanding zone.
 85. An absorbent article as in claim 81 wherein saidopposed lateral segments comprise a left segment and a right segment,and wherein the landing zone on said left and right segments have widthsat least about 1 inch and lengths of at least 1 inch.
 86. An absorbentarticle as in claim 4 wherein said opposed lateral segments comprise aleft segment and a right segment, and wherein the landing zone on saidleft segment has width of from about 8 to about 15 inches and a lengthof about 1 to about 7 inches, and wherein the landing zone on said rightsegment has a width of from about 10 to about 20 inches and a length offrom about 1 to about 7 inches.
 87. An absorbent article as in claim 85wherein the width of the left landing zone is about 8.25 inches to about15 inches and the distance between the outer edge of said left landingzone and left ear segment is about 6 to about 11 inches, and thedistance between the outer edge of said right landing zone and the outeredge of said right segment is from about 0 to about 13 inches.
 88. Anabsorbent article as in claim 86 wherein the width of the left landingzone is about 8.25 inches to about 15 inches and the distance betweenthe outer edge of said left landing zone and left ear segment is about 6to about 11 inches, and the distance between the outer edge of saidright landing zone and the outer edge of said right segment is fromabout 0 to about 13 inches.
 89. An elastic absorbent article as in claim81 further including elastic waistband wherein said elastic waistbandhas a centerline which coincides with a line drawn through the center ofsaid landing zone.
 90. An elastic absorbent article as in claim 82further including elastic waistband wherein said elastic waistband has acenterline which coincides with a line drawn through the center of saidlanding zone.
 91. An elastic absorbent article as in claim 89 whereinthe distance between the line drawn between the center line of each ofsaid landing zone and the line drawn through the center of said elasticwaistband is about 0 to about 3 inches.
 92. An elastic absorbent articleas in claim 90 wherein the distance between the line drawn between thecenter line of each of said landing zone and the line drawn through thecenter of said elastic waist band is about 0 to about 3 inches.
 93. Anabsorbent article as in claim 79 wherein each of said male tape tabs isprovided with at least one numerical indicia, with tape tab on one ofthe lateral segments being provided with the numeral 1, and the tapetabs on the insert being provided with the numerals 2 and 3, therebydefining the order of wearing the article.
 94. An absorbent article asin claim 80 wherein each of said male tape tabs is provided with atleast one numerical indicia, with the tape tab on one of the lateralsegments being provided with the numeral 1, and the tape tab on theinsert are provided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby defining the orderof wearing the article
 95. An absorbent article as in claim 81 whereineach of said male tape tabs is provided with at least one numericalindicia, with the tape tab on one of the lateral segments being providedwith the numeral 1, and the tape tab on the insert are provided with thenumeral 2 or 3 thereby defining the order of wearing the article
 96. Anabsorbent article as in claim 82 wherein each of said male tape tabs isprovided with at least one numerical indicia, with the tape tab on oneof the lateral segments being provided with the numeral 1, and the tapetab on the insert are provided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby definingthe order of wearing the article.
 97. An absorbent article as in claim83 wherein each of said male tape tabs is provided with at least onenumerical indicia, with the tape tab on one of the lateral segmentsbeing provided with the numeral 1, and the tape tab on the insert areprovided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby defining the order of wearingthe article.
 98. An absorbent article as in claim 84 wherein each ofsaid male tape tabs is provided with at least one numerical indicia,with the tape tab on one of the lateral segments being provided with thenumeral 1, and the tape tab on the insert are provided with the numeral2 or 3 thereby defining the order of wearing the article.
 99. Anabsorbent article as in claim 85 wherein each of said male tape tabs isprovided with at least one numerical indicia, with the tape tab on oneof the lateral segments being provided with the numeral 1, and the tapetab on the insert are provided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby definingthe order of wearing the article.
 100. An absorbent article as in claim86 wherein each of said male tape tabs is provided with at least onenumerical indicia, with the tape tab on one of the lateral segmentsbeing provided with the numeral 1, and the tape tab on the insert areprovided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby defining the order of wearingthe article.
 101. An absorbent article as in claim 87 wherein each ofsaid male tape tabs is provided with at least one numerical indicia,with the tape tab on one of the lateral segments being provided with thenumeral 1, and the tape tab on the insert are provided with the numeral2 or 3 thereby defining the order of wearing the article.
 102. Anabsorbent article as in claim 88 wherein each of said male tape tabs isprovided with at least one numerical indicia, with the tape tab on oneof the lateral segments being provided with the numeral 1, and the tapetab on the insert are provided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby definingthe order of wearing the article.
 103. An absorbent article as in claim89 wherein each of said male tape tabs is provided with at least onenumerical indicia, with the tape tab on one of the lateral segmentsbeing provided with the numeral 1, and the tape tab on the insert areprovided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby defining the order of wearingthe article.
 104. An absorbent article as in claim 90 wherein each ofsaid male tape tabs is provided with at least one numerical indicia,with the tape tab on one of the lateral segments being provided with thenumeral 1, and the tape tab on the insert are provided with the numeral2 or 3 thereby defining the order of wearing the article.
 105. Anabsorbent article as in claim 91 wherein each of said male tape tabs isprovided with at least one numerical indicia, with the tape tab on oneof the lateral segments being provided with the numeral 1, and the tapetab on the insert are provided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby definingthe order of wearing the article.
 106. An absorbent article as in claim92 wherein each of said male tape tabs is provided with at least onenumerical indicia, with the tape tab on one of the lateral segmentsbeing provided with the numeral 1, and the tape tab on the insert areprovided with the numeral 2 or 3 thereby defining the order of wearingthe article.
 107. An absorbent article as in claim 81 , 82 , 83, 84, 85,86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102,103, 104, 105, 106 or 107 wherein each of said landing zones comprises avisible indicator zone in the general form of a band of about 1 to about7 inches in length generally centrally disposed on said landing zonesuch that each of said male tape tabs can be adhered to said band in thenumerical order designated on each of said tabs for the order of wearingsaid article.
 108. An absorbent article as in claim 107 wherein saidvisible indicator zone contains a pigment.
 109. An absorbent article asin claim 108 wherein said pigment is photo, infrared or ultravioletlight sensitive.
 110. An absorbent article as in claim 79 wherein saidsecond portion is generally contoured and comprises a coversheet, abacksheet and an absorbent core layer disposed between said coversheetand said backsheet, wherein said second portion has a front width A′ offrom about 16 to about 25 inches, and said absorbent core layer having alength E of from about 20 to about 40 inches and contains up to about 60percent by weight superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and up to 40 percent byweight hydrophilic fibers.
 111. An absorbent article as in claim 79wherein the front width A′ of said second portion is about equal to orless than the width A″ of the back width.
 112. An absorbent article asin claim 79 wherein the width A′ of said second portion is about equalor greater than 15 inches.
 113. An absorbent article as in claim 79wherein the length A of said second portion is about equal to or lessthan the overall width B of said chassis.
 114. An absorbent article asin claim 79 wherein each of the lateral segments of said first portionis from about 2 to about 15 inches long and from about 10 to about 30inches wide.
 115. An absorbent article as in claim 79 further comprisingwaist cuffs and sides barrier cuff.
 116. An absorbent article as inclaim 79 wherein the width A′ of said insert is from about 20 to about100 percent of said width when fully stretched.
 117. An absorbentarticle as in claim 79 wherein the relaxed width A of said secondportion is from about 10 to about 100 percent of said width when fullystretched.
 118. An absorbent article as in claim 1 wherein each tape tablocated at the end of said lateral segments is fastened to the tape tabat the distal end of said second portion located at the same side assaid tape tab on the lateral segment.
 119. An absorbent article as inclaim 1 wherein said first portion comprises a pair of opposed lateralsegments on the front and rear of said first portion.
 120. An absorbentarticle as in claim 1 wherein each of said lateral segments comprises atleast three elastic zones.
 121. An absorbent article as in claim 1wherein said article comprises inwardly folded crotch cuffs securedtogether adhesively.
 122. An absorbent article as in claim 1 whereinsaid article comprises outwardly folded crotch cuffs secured togetheradhesively.
 123. An absorbent article as in claim 40 wherein each tapetab located at the end of said lateral segments is fastened to the tapetab at the distal end of said second portion located at the same side assaid tape tab on the lateral segment.
 124. An absorbent article as inclaim 40 wherein said first portion comprises a pair of opposed lateralsegments on the front and rear of said first portion.
 125. An absorbentarticle as in claim 40 wherein each of said lateral segments comprisesat least three elastic zones.
 126. An absorbent article as in claim 40wherein said article comprises inwardly folded crotch cuffs securedtogether adhesively.
 127. An absorbent article as in claim 40 whereinsaid article comprises outwardly folded crotch cuffs secured togetheradhesively.
 128. An absorbent article as in claim 79 wherein each tapetab located at the end of said lateral segments is fastened to the tapetab at the distal end of said second portion located at the same side assaid tape tab on the lateral segment.
 129. An absorbent article as inclaim 79 wherein said first portion comprises a pair of opposed lateralsegments on the front and rear of said first portion.
 130. An absorbentarticle as in claim 79 wherein each of said lateral segments comprisesat least three elastic zones.
 131. An absorbent article as in claim 79wherein said article comprises inwardly folded crotch cuffs securedtogether adhesively.
 132. An absorbent article as in claim 79 whereinsaid article comprises outwardly folded crotch cuffs secured togetheradhesively.